For those who have had it, how would you say it compares to Old Rasputin?

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It's been since last January I've had Rasputin. So I'm going to put it this way...I finished a 4pk of Narwhal and found another store that had cases of it and got me one. I didn't do that with Rasp... Now, in saying this, I need to revisit an old friend and give him another chance this weekend.

Beer Trader

Closest place for you would be in Chicago at Grand & Western Armanetti's. I stumbled into Binnys Chicago South Loop (Canal St) for some SN Celebration and fell backwards when I saw 7 cases of Narwhal. Not every Binnys has it. South Loop gets all the firstfruits. Picked up a case. It is a fantastic brew for the price. Of course call ahead. Good Luck!

Beer Trader

I don't think Austin is getting any... I grabbed a couple 4-packs when I was in Houston last week. My opinion: If you want a non-local RIS, save your money for the GD Oak-Aged Yeti or hit up Hyde Park Grocery for some 2010 Ten Fidy.

Good analogy, and confirms that I don't need to seek this out. I'll stick with Founders RIS for my regular stout choice.

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Don't get me wrong - narwhal is really good. But yeah, if I saw the two on the shelf I'd reach for the FIS. Since their releases are a good three months apart, narwhal could definitely serve as a lead up beer to FIS.

I think Narwhal is a fine RIS, but it doesn't touch Old Rasputin imo. And the pricepoint is high. I can get O.R. for $8.75 / 4PK, as opposed to roughly $13.00 for the SN. I don't mind paying $13 for FBS, but it's much for SN.
All of these stouts improve as they warm, but to my pallette anyway, Old Raspution is the most complex and definitely my personal favorite. Simply an amazing RIS.

I think Narwhal is a fine RIS, but it doesn't touch Old Rasputin imo. And the pricepoint is high. I can get O.R. for $8.75 / 4PK, as opposed to roughly $13.00 for the SN. I don't mind paying $13 for FBS, but it's much for SN.
All of these stouts improve as they warm, but to my pallette anyway, Old Raspution is the most complex and definitely my personal favorite. Simply an amazing RIS.

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13 bucks? I know it's only a few dollars, but I paid (and have been seeing quite regularly) $9.99.

You said it. It's only solid. Not extraordinary. Sierra Nevada has a knack for creating beers that are good and often quintessential representations of the respective style, but, with the exception of a few, in my opinion, not great.

I don't think Austin is getting any... I grabbed a couple 4-packs when I was in Houston last week. My opinion: If you want a non-local RIS, save your money for the GD Oak-Aged Yeti or hit up Hyde Park Grocery for some 2010 Ten Fidy.

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Unfortunately this is seeming more and more likely. I've been calling Specs about once a week and every time the beer guy says the rep he's been talking too prolongs the date every time. So he's basically given up. I still have some hope it'll show up, fingers crossed!

Founders RIS is probably my favorite, easy to find RIS. Narwhal is damn good in my opinion. The smell is amazing. It's a little hot right now but still delicious. I'm going save a couple for a few months and see what it does. I let mine sit on the counter in the bottle for about 45 minutes and it was perfect.

Where are you looking? Try Total Wine. I'm is West LA and I've gone through about 5 4packs. I see your Avatar is UCLA, try Beverage Warehouse in Culver City. Was just there today and picked 1 up, they had about a case left. BevMo might be worth a look too also. Good luck.